Some Missouri areas, including Boone County, are under “an elevated fire danger” threat through this upcoming weekend, according to a news release from the Boone County Fire Protection District.

Western and southwest Missouri were issued a Red Flag Warning by the National Weather Service for tomorrow with another warning will likely be issued for Friday, the news release stated. The warning could extend to central Missouri areas, which would include Boone County.

The “elevated fire danger” derives from a combination of “dry vegetation, low relative humidity and southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph gusting to over 20 mph,” according to the news release.

The district discourages any forms of open burning, ranging from dead vegetable burning to trash burning. Under this weather condition, fires can spread quickly and run out of control, leading to fire disasters.

When facing a fire hazard, the district encourages residents to call 911 immediately. According to the news release, if the fire creates any property damages, residents who start the fire will bear the responsibility of any costs.

_Edited by Hailey Stolze | hstolze@themaneater.com_